Write-in campaign ends for 'Giggles the Pig' after new law deals with Michigan ballot mix-up

FLINT, Mich. – A lawyer who wanted to enter his pet pig into the Flint mayoral race is calling off the effort.

Michael Ewing started the "Giggles the Pig for Flint Mayor" campaign after learning that a mix-up by Flint's clerk threatened to keep candidates' names off the ballot. Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday signed a law allowing Flint's mayoral election to proceed despite the error.

Ewing confirmed to The Associated Press in an email Wednesday that with the write-in effort off, a "Giggles the Pig for Flint Mayor" Facebook page now will be used in part to share good news stories about Flint.

Ewing had said Giggles' candidacy sought to draw more attention to the mayoral race, better educate voters about their choices and encourage residents to demand more of elected officials.